How long does a copyright last?

A copyright is a kind of legal protection for certain types of creative works in New York. Creators of these works, such as songs, books, and movies, can register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office to protect their rights to the work. Generally, the copyright on a work created after January 1, 1978, lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 70 years. This means that the copyright lasts for 95 years from the date the work was first published, or 120 years from the date of its creation, whichever is shorter. For works created before 1978, the length of a copyright can vary. Some works do not have a copyright at all because they have not been registered. In other cases, a copyright can last up to 95 years if the creator registered the copyright before 1978 and renewed it after its original copyright term. Copyright holders will need to check with the U.S. Copyright Office to determine the specific length of a copyright. In some cases, a copyright could be shorter than the general copyright term listed above. While the copyright can last up to 95 years, it is important to note that it can be shorter depending on individual works.

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